Ivy Tobin started acting and modeling as a child on stage, television and film. Later in life, Ivy expanded her creative arts activity as an author, motivational speaker and producer. She is the author of the novel MY LIFE AS A DOORMAT and has now created MY LIFE AS A DOORMAT – The TV Series. Ivy’s film and television credits include THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS, A STRANGER AMONG US, THE QUIZ SHOW, SPIN CITY and ONE LIFE TO LIVE.
What led you to your My Life as a Doormat TV Series?
The beginning –
The TV series My Life as a Doormat is based on the book I wrote by the same name. (I wrote the book under a pen name, Rose Gardner.) While I was writing the book, I envisioned it as a TV series, but felt more comfortable writing a book instead of screenplay. In 2018, I revisited my acting career and was mesmerized by the independent film making community I met in NYC.
After writing and acting in a scene of a collaborative indie film, I wanted to adapt my book for TV. I spent a few months adapting my book and thanks to a great screen writing program and networking with other indie film makers, artists, and creatives I put together a cast and crew and the pilot My Life as a Doormat was filmed. In one day, at one location.
On a shoestring budget!
Brief synopsis –
When a freak accident transports Rose back to her past, she revisits her 22 year old self; a struggling actress in New York City during the 1980s. She comes face to face with the colorful characters and hilarious unfortunate events that shaped her into the people-pleasing doormat she is today.
Tell us about your main character, Rose Gardner.
Rose is a warm, loving people-pleasing Doormat. As a young woman, she dreamt of making it big as an actress, but didn’t. Now, in mid-life, she’s had a wake-up call and knows it’s time to live life on her own terms. Her epiphany is supported from a very unlikely place.
What are the benefits of being a doormat?
There are zero benefits from being a doormat but unfortunately many people are. Especially baby boomers who were taught by their parents to be nice, keep quiet, and go with the flow. Countless boomers were groomed for doormatism by being taught and encouraged (from birth) to be too nice for their own good.
Well-meaning parents and caretakers told their children to go along with the crowd, and not make waves. But now, baby boomers are seasoned adults and are aware of the damage this limited thinking caused. Many are now standing up and speaking out, and they are not only making waves they’re creating tsunamis.
Why was Anthony Robert Grasso the perfect Director for your project?
Anthony was my choice for director of My Life as a Doormat because of his understanding of actors, and his integrity as a professional.
I loved working with him because he knows how to get the best performance from the actors he directs. Having studied with him for several months, I felt very comfortable and trusted his direction. He has a way of making actors feel very at ease giving them the space to explore the characters but always suggesting nuances to add value to everyone’s performances.
Knowing Anthony was at the helm of my pilot instilled confidence that we were being steered in the right direction.
What do you admire most about Rose Gardner?
Her heart and her hope springs eternal outlook. Her resilience and her ability to see the good in everyone and everything.
If one is not a doormat, what is he or she?
People who aren’t doormats are empowered, strong, self-reliant, and confidant. They are not selfish but have learned to put themselves first, set boundaries, take ownership of their lives, and don’t allow others to steal their energy or waste their time.
Share your philosophy about life.
Be authentic. Live and LET live. Always be kind. Lift people up who are struggling and surround yourself with those who understand and support you. Be grateful and try to find the humor in everything. And laugh… A lot.
Tell us about the Society for Recovering Doormats.
Wanting to make people happy is an honorable trait. But when that conflicts with meeting your own needs then you are at risk of becoming, if not already, a doormat.
Sometimes just knowing others are struggling with similar issues, is helpful. Reading or sharing stories is healing. Having a giggle or two while you’re here; priceless.
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/Thesocietyforrecoveringdoormats
BLOG
http://thesocietyforrecoveringdoormats.wordpress.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mylifeasadoormat/
Link to website –
https://ivytobin.com/my-life-as-a-doormat-the-series/
Link to trailer –
Link to books –
https://thesocietyforrecoveringdoormats.com/store/